Mathurine’s Report: TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS

The Annual TOC Holiday Classic hosted some of the states best talents.  Here are a few of my standouts from the games I had the opportunity to watch.

Keenan Gray 6’3 G 2024 McDonough
It was business as usual for KG enroute to a 27 point performance and win over Cedar Grove. With Nigel Thomas currently nursing an injured shoulder KG knew he had to step up.  After a slow start he kicked up in the 2nd quarter and really got his shot to fall.  Still showing his solid mid-range efforts and high energy in transitions, KG remains one of the more consistent underrated performers in the state and it shouldn’t go unnoticed. The kids a baller.

Manny Green 6’6 F 2025 Cedar Grove
It was my first real good live look at Manny and I can see why the praises are there early. He’s comfortable with the ball in his hands and was even comfortable playing at the guard spot or going in the post to play big.   With Green consistency is going to be his ticket and once that follows through the more impactful of a player he can be.

Zyree Brown 5’10 G 2026 Pebblebrook
You can see the youth on Zyree but he plays with a lot of confidence. This looks like a rebuild for Pebblebrook as Coach Washington looks like he has a true core he can mold.  Zyree has a confident pull up game and was zipping passes all over the court. The more he’s thrown to the wolves, and the tough competition Pebblebrook doesn’t run from, this young guard can make waves early.  Brown finished with 16pts (three 3’s) in win over  Tri-Cities.

Arthur Williams 6’4 G/F 2024 Pebblebrook
Arthur had a convincing performance as well. Confident high release pull up and seemed to be the aggressor for this group.  He scored 14 points including 9 in the fourth and that really helped Pebblebrook seal the lead.  This performance Pebblebrook can try to build on.

Tre Keith 5’10 G Tri Cities. 2027
Tre had a convincing 30 point game and opened eyes to the future of Tri-Cities. Since covering Tri Cities they have developed a plethora of guards and TK is next in line. He was ultra smooth in getting down hill. Never played rushed, scored on 3 levels and was efficient throughout the entire contest. If he trust the process and continues to put in the work, this could be another one of those guards that represents the Tri Cities development at a high level

Jullien Cole 6’2 G 2024 Shiloh
Jullien was a pit-bull in the post and made his presence felt 32 points and helping Shiloh improve to 6-0 on the year. He made his mark with the low post jumper and finishing at the rim. Coach Rivers and the Shiloh staff does a great job with development as his core always have a sound and fundamental low post game that is effective. Look for him to continue to counter Tylis Jordan and make Shiloh a team to fear. 

Tylis Jordan 6’9 F 2025 Shiloh

It was another day in the office for big man Tylis. His smooth touch and length is just to much of a problem on both sides of the ball. I liked the aggression I saw in the Kimball matchup, how he was fighting for rebounds and keeping the game simple.

Jaylon Dean-Vines 6’5 G Kimball 2025
JDV brought the Texas size and energy in his matchup with Shiloh. A big guard, he had a high release on jumpers, showed athletic flashes throughout the contest and played well defensively. He met his opponent at the rim a couple of times and his wingspan helped him block shots on the perimeter as well. 28pts in a tough loss to Shiloh

Mike White 6’2 G Berkmar 2024
Mike showed his natural scoring ability and his clutch gene in the win in over Green Forest. He shoots with the most confidence and his 8 point in the 4th qtr were crucial. He knocked down two big 3s and kept Green Forest out of reach anytime they thought they had a window.  He brings a special dynamic to this group and makes them an even more feared unit on the season.